Smith Brothers 1851

December
James Cluggage and James Poole, two mule packers, discover gold on Rich Gulch, 85 miles west of Crater Lake. Within six months, nearly 3,000 expectant miners have poured into the newly formed town of Jacksonville. Eventually $40,000,000 worth of gold is mined from the foothills of the Siskiyous before the mines play out in the 1880’s. Jacksonville soon establishes itself as a commercial and cultural center for the entire Southern Oregon region.

Where You’ve Been

Crater Lake Institute

With over 1700 Facebook Likes and averaging over 600,000 page hits a month, we are a non-profit organization making it easier for you to learn about Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake Foundation is also part of our organization, donating to park needs and acknowledging special individuals. In 2016, we partnered with REI to provide the best trail information and access available.